It has been a remarkable decade of expansion and investment for the University of Durham's fast-growing, teaching, research and residential campus at Stockton.

It has been a remarkable decade of expansion and investment for the University of Durham's fast-growing, teaching, research and residential campus at Stockton.

In a region with one of the lowest take-up rates in higher education in the UK, the university and its partners have invested over #40m to bring to full fruition the superb riverside campus which first admitted students in 1992.

Ten years on, a vibrant academic community of more than 1,700 full-time students has evolved, the range of facilities doubled and courses on offer diversified.

Among the key developments which have helped to transform the Campus over the last decade are:

* The opening of the second academic building in 1998 to include a purpose built Information Resources Centre. In addition, there are now over 500 en-suite study bedrooms, a fitness suite, playing field, a student social centre and new dining and social facilities overlooking the River Tees.

* The creation of two new colleges in 2001. Building on Durham's distinctive traditional college system, students at Stockton now commence their studies as members of a college, adding an extra dimension to university life. The college system is at the centre of life at the university and ensures a community of support for students from day one.

* The opening of the #10m Wolfson Research Institute in 2002. The cutting edge research facility provides a unique opportunity for internationally recognised researchers to work in collaboration with health and environmental agencies, integrating the university, industry and the community in close partnership.

* The widening participation initiatives undertaken by the university's schools liaison team which are designed to raise aspirations and widen participation across the whole university. Working with the Excellence Challenge Partnerships across the Tees Valley, over 2,500 local students attended events this year at our two campuses.

University of Durham Vice-Chancellor Sir Kenneth Calman said: "Education is key to the regeneration of the region. Our graduates are among the very best in the UK in terms of completing their degrees and in going on to full-time employment, further training or research.

"In both the City of Durham and at our Queen's Campus in Stockton, the university is actively engaged in promoting opportunities for higher education and employment, investing in the next generation of students through its widening participation work.

"We are now better placed than ever, both to serve the region and play a vital part in its regeneration".